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Saturday, March 12, 2011

Jello Shots (not just for frat parties anymore!)

Let us stop for a moment to pay homage to the jello shot, that humble alcoholic concoction that has been around for so long.

Is a jello shot a cocktail or dessert? Is it even food at all? Is it true about the hooves?

And does it even matter when something tastes so good, and gets you so drunk?

See below for some variations on that old friend, jello.

Traditional Jello Shot Recipe

6 ounces Jello (large package of the flavor of your choice)

16 ounces Water (boiling)

6 ounces Water (cold)

10 ounces Vodka

Mix the jello mix with the boiling water until the powder is fully dissolved and add the cold water and alcohol. Pour the cooling mixture into either plastic shot glasses or paper cups (can be found at the grocery or party store). Paper cups are best as the drinker can squeeze them or turn them inside-out to gain faster access to the mushy goodness inside.

You can make jello shots with almost any type of alcohol, but you should adjust the proportions of alcohol and cold water to ensure that the shot still sets. The higher the proof of the alcohol, the more water that is required for it to set.

By adding more gelatin to your recipe, you can make any jello shot recipe into a jiggler, which isn't quite as dirty as it sounds (unless you have a specialty shaped ice cube tray, and, perhaps you do).

You can serve your jello in cubes or use cookie cutters or molds to make shapes. Then serve the jigglers on a tray, in a bowl, or even a cocktail glass.

Jello Jiggler Shot Recipe

Start by boiling 3 cups of water and dissolve a large packer of jello (6 oz size). If you have a large measuring cup, you can use it to mix all of the ingredients for easy pouring later.

Next add your alcohol of choice. Add a total of 2 cups of alcohol. Stir well and pour into a 9 x 13 pan or ice cube tray. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.

Once it is set, cut the jigglers into the shape of your choice. While the easiest option is cubes, there is lots of room to get creative. Look through your cookie cutters and see if there is a shape that either inspires you or matches you party theme. When it comes time to serve, you can serve cubes in a large punch bowl or if you are serving shapes, you can arrange them on a tray, or in mini cocktail glasses.

Fancy Fruit

If you are looking for a classier way to serve your jello shooters, consider using fruit. Citrus fruits are great candidates - just cut the fruit of choice in half, scoop out the actual fruit and pour in the jello. To keep it from spilling in the fridge, rest the rind in a muffin tin or small bowl until it's completely chilled in the fridge. It's best to choose a jello shot that compliments the flavor of the fruit that you chose to use.

After the jello has had a chance to gel, cut into jello shot fruit slices and serve.